WHIPPET
Breed Group: Sight Hound
For full breed standards, visit UK Kennel Club or American Kennel Club
Average height: 45.72 - 55.88 cms (18 - 22 in)
Average Weight: 9.07 - 18.14 kgs (20 - 40 lbs)
Coat Length: XShort
Life Span: 12 - 15 years
Colours: any color except tan-pointed (like a manchester terrier) or merle
HISTORY
Whippets, as a specific breed, were developed in the mid-1800s in England, although small to medium-sized sighthounds have been described and depicted in art and literature for thousands of years. Whippets were originally created to catch rabbits in open fields and various terrains to put food on the table for an average or poor English family. They were commonly known as 'the poor man’s greyhound' and later 'the poor man’s racehorse' as they were less expensive to keep due to their small size. While originally developed for food acquisition, they quickly became popular in racing sports. It was their keen racing ability that helped create their popularity throughout England.
L.E.G.S.
Using the L.E.G.S.Ā® model, our breed descriptions offer insights into typical behavior based on Genetics, Learning, Environment, and Self.Ā
KnowingĀ theĀ sort of 'job' a breed wasĀ createdĀ for can offer valuable insights into the type of lifeĀ dogs of thatĀ breed would most enjoy. But bear in mind, they are all individuals, treat the following as anĀ indication of breed tendencies ā not a prediction.
Shedding
minimal <> considerable
Grooming
minimal <> likely to need professional grooming
Barking
relatively quiet <> very vocal
Predatory behaviour around other pets/livestock
low<>high
Response to strangers
happy to greet everyone <> very wary
Affectionate with family
not at all<>very cuddly
Playful
serious<>very playful
Focus on handler (bond)
independent thinker<>very biddable
Excitable/Impulsive
very calm<>easily aroused
Motivated
laid back<>obsessive
Easy to care for
suitable for inexperienced<>challenging
Exercise needs
minimal<>hours daily
Off-lead exercise needs
happy on lead<>needs plenty of freedom
Enrichment needs
basic<>needs challenges
WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR WHIPPET
- They are smart, expressive, affectionate, cuddly, and comical
- The juxtaposition of their grace and elegance with their playfulness and character is charming
WHY THEY MAY BE HARD TO LIVE WITH
They are extremely active puppies with a healthy dose of problem-solving and zoomies which often presents in naughty antics
YOUR WHIPPET PUPPY HIGHLIGHTS
Whippets require quite a lot of exercise and enrichment as puppies and young adults with those needs reducing significantly as soon as they reach three years of age. They are charming, playful, cuddly, and highly trainable. Off-leash lifestyle is not their forte but showing their natural agility, strength, and skill in a safe and contained area makes these dogs truly wonderful companions capable of being happy and healthy in a variety of lifestyles. They are ideal companions for an individual looking for a medium-sized companion with the ability to excel in a variety of endeavors from dog sports, to couch potato, to therapy dog.
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YOU MAY NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP WITH:
- Separation distress
- Not coming when called
- Storm phobia
YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY
- A healthy outlet for their need for speed as young dogs is key
- Flyball, lure coursing, dock diving, and FastCAT are all good choices for bonding with young whippets
UPBRINGING
Whippets are boisterous puppies with tons of agility and stamina. As adults, it's hard to believe these 'glorified throw pillows' were once such active pups!
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LIFESTYLE
Whippets are flexible dogs who enjoy many different lifestyles, from a city-dwelling apartment to a farm companion. While they always enjoy showing off their agility and speed, as they mature, they can be found lounging most of their days with short, fun, bursts of exercise, training, and games.
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INTERESTS & HOBBIES
They love stuffies, flirt poles, bunnies, squirrels, and best doggy friends. Hobbies include window-watching for something that might be fun to chase and finding impossible sleeping positions.
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EDUCATION
Whippets excel with reward-based training and are generally extremely sensitive to anything they perceive as punishment. Early focus on a very solid recall, often with a whistle, is time well spent.
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